Congo rebels in new talks
The military commander of the M23 rebels is reported to have joined negotiations to end the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sultani Makenga has flown to the Ugandan capital, Kampala, a rebel spokesman yesterday said.
The militia is refusing to end its occupation of the eastern city of Goma, hours before the expiry of a deadline for them to leave.
A regional summit at the weekend told the rebels to leave Goma by Monday.
About 500,000 people have been displaced by the rebellion since it began in April, with the formation of M23 after a mutiny in the army.
The presidents of Uganda, DR Congo, Tanzania and Kenya, together with the Rwandan foreign minister, issued a statement calling on M23 to "stop all war activities and withdraw from Goma" and "stop talk of overthrowing an elected government".
Congolese President Joseph Kabila was also urged to listen to the rebels' grievances.
Rebels have rejected previous calls to leave Goma, the main city in eastern DR Congo.
M23 political leader Jean-Marie Runiga said a withdrawal was possible, but could only result from talks with Mr Kabila.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo told the BBC's Newsday programme Rwanda was ready to "go out of our way to talk to all parties to make sure, first, that fighting stops".
Ugandan officials have not confirmed that Mr Makenga has flown to Kampala - the UN and US recently imposed a travel ban and assets freeze on him.
The UN has accused Rwanda and Uganda of backing the M23, saying the chain of command culminates with Rwandan Defence Minister James Kabarebe.
Both countries have denied the allegations, but Mrs Mushikiwabo said Rwanda did have influence on both parties.
Comments